Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue in relation to Graiguenamanagh. The introduction of these flood relief schemes does two things. Firstly, it increases confidence in moments of flood risk. Secondly and most importantly, these schemes work. I have experience of flooding in my constituency on a very different scale from other parts of the country. I have seen at first hand the harm and stress it causes. The work of the OPW is really important in terms of the larger flooding events we are trying to avoid. I confirm that funding is available to the OPW to move forward on these projects, as the Deputy acknowledged in his question. We are aiming to change and have changed our planning system so that key projects like this are in a position to move forward. I will ensure that the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, is aware of the issue in Graiguenamanagh raised by the Deputy and ask him whether anything more can be done about it. I will pass on the Deputy's support for the project.

See this speech in context